Valve for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for a valve for an expandable gas or fluid valve is disclosed. The valve comprises an electromagnetic switch with a male connector on one face, and a female connector on an opposite face. The electromagnetic switch has a passageway connecting the male connector with the female connector. An output port is switchably connected to the passageway by the electromagnetic switch. The male connector on one face can be coupled to the female connector on another electromagnetic switch, forming a line or chain of electromagnetic switches.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to applications “AN EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUIDDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” “A PRESSURE GAGE FOR AN EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUIDDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” and “AN INTEGRATED EXPANDABLE GAS OR FLUIDDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM” filed on the same day as this application and arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to the field of hydraulic and pneumaticsystems, and in particular, to an expandable distribution system forhydraulics or pneumatics.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Large trucks and some cars may have a number of devices operated by air,for example an air horn. These vehicles may have an air switch in thecab that operates each of the devices. Having air switches in the cabcreates a number of problems. One problem is that the air switchestypically take up too much space in the cab. Another problem is thatrouting an air line to each switch is cumbersome and costly. The airsystem in vehicles is also typically hard to expand. Each air devicemust have its own connection to the air supply system, as well as aconnection to the activation switch. To expand the system, for exampleto add an additional device, a new connection to the air supply must bemade. Typically the new connection is chained off one of the current airlines using a T fitting. Finding space on a vehicle for the airdistribution system is also a problem. Most vehicles also have ahydraulic system. The hydraulic system may have many of the sameproblems that the air or pneumatic system has.

Therefore there is a need for an expandable fluid or gas valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for a valve for an expandable gas or fluid valve isdisclosed. The valve comprises an electromagnetic switch with a maleconnector on one face, and a female connector on an opposite face. Theelectromagnetic switch has a passageway connecting the male connectorwith the female connector. An output port is switchably connected to thepassageway by the electromagnetic switch. The male connector on one facecan be coupled to the female connector on another electromagneticswitch, forming a line or chain of electromagnetic switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of air distribution system 100 in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of air distribution system 200 in one exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of air distribution system 300 in oneexample embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of base/solenoid assembly 404 in one exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of endcap 502 in one example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of inlet piece 608 in one example embodimentof the invention

FIG. 7 a is a front view of inlet piece 702 in one example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 b is a side view of inlet piece 702 in one example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 c is a detailed view of inlet piece 702 in one example embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a typical BNC connector.

FIG. 9 a is a front view of endcap 902 in an example embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 b is a sectional view of endcap 902 in an example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 c is a bottom view of endcap 902 in an example embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 a is a top view of a body 1063 in an example embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 b is a first sectional view of a body 1063 in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 c is a second sectional view of a body 1063 in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 a is a sectional view of base/solenoid assembly 1104 in anexample embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 b is a detailed view of base/solenoid assembly 1104 from an areain sectional view 11 a in an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 a is a first isometric view of an exhaust cap 1236 in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 b is a second isometric view of an exhaust cap 1236 in anexample embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of endcap 1302 in an example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of endcap 1402 with an inlet fixtureinstalled in an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a supply coupler in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a pressure gage assembly in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-14 and the following description depict specific examples toteach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of theinvention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall withinthe scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the features described below can be combined in various ways toform multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention isnot limited to the specific examples described below, but only by theclaims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of air distribution system 100 in an exampleembodiment of the invention. Air distribution system 100 comprisesendcap 102, base/solenoid assemblies 104 and 106, inlet piece 108, inletfitting 110, output port fittings 112 and 114, and solenoid electricalcontrol lines 116 and 118. Endcap 102 is removably connected tobase/solenoid assembly 104. Base/solenoid assembly 104 is removablyconnected to base/solenoid assembly 106. Inlet piece 108 is removablyconnected to base/solenoid assembly 106. Inlet fitting 110 is installedin inlet piece 108. Output port fittings 112 and 114 are installed inbase/solenoid assemblies 104 and 106. Solenoid electrical control lines116 and 118 are installed in base/solenoid assemblies 104 and 106.Base/solenoid assemblies 104 and 106 are made from common parts and areessentially the same. In one example embodiment inlet fitting is a ⅜inch push in fitting (half cartridge) and output port fittings 112 and114 are ¼ inch push in fittings (full cartridge). Other sizes may beused for the inlet fitting or for the output fittings.

In operation, an air source (not shown) would be connected to inletfitting 110 using a first air line (not shown). A first air device (notshown) would be connected to output fitting 112 with a second air lineand a second air device (not shown) would be connected to output fitting114 with a third air line. Solenoid electrical control lines 116 wouldbe connected to a first electrical switch (not shown) and solenoidelectrical control lines 118 would be connected to a second electricalswitch (not shown). When the first electrical switch is activated, thesolenoid in base/solenoid assembly 106 would activate and pneumaticallyconnect output port fitting 112 with the air supply connected to inletfitting 110, thereby activating the first air device. When the secondelectrical switch is activated, the solenoid in base/solenoid assembly104 would activate and pneumatically connect output port fitting 114with the air supply connected to inlet fitting 110, thereby activatingthe second air device. When the first electrical switch is de-activated,the solenoid in base/solenoid assembly 106 would de-activate anddisconnect output port fitting 112 with the air supply connected toinlet fitting 110, thereby de-activating the first air device. Othertypes of electrical connections may be used to connect the solenoidelectrical control lines to the solenoids instead of the flying leadsshown, for example Metri-pack electrical connectors.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of air distribution system 200 in one exampleembodiment of the invention. Air distribution system 200 comprisesendcap 202, base/solenoid assemblies 204 and 206, and inlet piece 208with inlet fitting 210 installed. In this view the mounting holes 220and 222 can be more clearly seen. Mounting holes 220 and 222 go throughthe base/solenoid assemblies 204 and 206. In one example embodiment ofthe invention, crush sleeves (not shown) may be inserted into themounting holes 220 and 222. The outer surface of air passageways 224,226 and 228 can be seen in inlet piece, base/solenoid assembly 206 andbase/solenoid assembly 204 respectively. Air passageways 224, 226 and228 form a common air manifold fed by an air supply (not shown) when theair supply is attached to inlet fitting 210. Endcap 202 seals the end ofthe common air manifold. Drain holes 273 connect the cavities formed onthe front side of the air distribution system with the cavities formedon the back side of the air distribution system and are configured tohelp prevent the buildup of moisture in the cavities when the airdistribution system is mounted. Typically there will be at least onedrain hole for each cavity

FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of air distribution system 300 in oneexample embodiment of the invention. Air distribution system 300comprises endcap 302, base/solenoid assemblies 304 and 306, and inletpiece 308 with inlet fitting 310 installed. Mounting holes 320 and 322go through the base/solenoid assemblies 304 and 306. Endcap 302,base/solenoid assemblies 304 and 306, and inlet piece 308 have surfacesthat form a mounting face or surface 340 defined essentially by a commonplane. In one example embodiment of the invention, mounting surface 340includes the edges of each pair of support ribs 342 and 344 onbase/solenoid assemblies 304 and 306 respectively. In another exampleembodiment of the invention, the mounting face or surface 340 on thesolenoid may be formed from other features, for example one or moresupport posts, one or more horizontal ribs, only one Vertical rib, orthe like. When bolts (not shown) are fastened through mounting holes 320and 322, the bolts force the mounting face 340 of air distributionsystem 300 against a mounting surface, thereby supporting airdistribution system.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of base/solenoid assembly 404 in one exampleembodiment of the invention. Base/solenoid assembly 404 comprisessolenoid assembly 430 attached to base assembly 460. In one exampleembodiment, solenoid assembly 430 is removably attached to base assemblywith two screws 432. Other removable fastening devices may be used, forexample clips, snap rings, bolts, or the like. In one example embodimentof the invention, the solenoid assembly may connect to the base assemblyusing a connector. For example the solenoid assembly may form the malepart of a connector and the base assembly may form the female part ofthe connector. In another example embodiment, solenoid assembly 430 ispermanently attached to base assembly (not shown). Any type of permanentattachment technique may be used, for example rivets, epoxy, sonicwelding, or the like.

Base assembly 460 in the base/solenoid assembly 404 has the male part462 of a connector on face 461 of base assembly 460. The equivalentfemale part 464 (not shown) of the connector is on a face opposite face461 of base assembly 460. The male part 462 of the connector inbase/solenoid assembly 404 is used to connect the base/solenoid assemblyto a corresponding female part of a connector in an endcap (not shown)when the base/solenoid assembly is at one end of an air distributionsystem. The male part 462 of the connector in the base/solenoid assemblyis used to couple the base/solenoid assembly to a corresponding femalepart of another base/solenoid assembly when the base/solenoid assemblyis in the middle of a chain of base/solenoid assemblies, or when thebase/solenoid assembly is at the other end of the air distributionsystem.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of endcap 502 in one example embodiment ofthe invention. Endcap has side or face 580 that forms the female part582 of the connector. The male part 462 of the connector onbase/solenoid assembly 404 is configured to mate with, and removablycouple to, the female part 582 of the connector on endcap 502. The faceopposite face 580 on endcap 502 forms a seal and seals one end of theair passageway in the base part 460 of base/solenoid assembly 404 whenthe endcap is coupled to the base/solenoid assembly. Additionalbase/solenoid assemblies may be removably coupled to the female part 464of base/solenoid assembly 404 with the corresponding male part of theconnector on the additional base/solenoid assemblies.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of inlet piece 608 in one example embodimentof the invention. Inlet piece 608 has the male part 662 of the connectoron face 692 of inlet piece 608. The face opposite face 692 is adapted toaccept inlet fixture 610 (not shown). The male part 662 of the connectoron inlet piece 608 is used to removably couple the inlet piece 608 tothe female part 464 of the connector on a base/solenoid assembly 404.

In the example embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 4-6, a femalepart of the connector was on the endcap and a male part of the connectorwas on the inlet piece, with the base/solenoid assemblies having both amale and a female part of the connector on opposite faces. In anotherexample embodiment of the invention, the endcap would have a male partof the connector, the inlet piece would have a female part of theconnector, and the base/solenoid assemblies would have the male andfemale parts of the connectors swapped.

An air distribution system is created by removably coupling a firstbase/solenoid assembly with an endcap. Additional base/solenoidassemblies may be removably coupled to the first base/solenoid assembly.Once the selected number of base/solenoid assemblies have been attached,a input piece is removably coupled to the last base/solenoid assembly.The assembled air distribution system can be mounted by fastening boltsthrough the mounting holes in each base/solenoid assembly. Once mounted,the air supply can be connected to the air inlet fitting, the airdevices can be connected to the output port fittings, and the solenoidelectrical control lines can be connected to their respective electricalswitches. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the order theparts are assembled to form the air distribution system is unimportant.

As describe above there are three main pieces that are used to createone example embodiment of the invention, an endcap, an inlet piece, andone or more base/solenoid assemblies. In another example embodiment ofthe invention, there may be three different pieces, for example abase/solenoid assembly with one end sealed, a base/solenoid assemblywith an inlet piece integrated into one side, and one or morebase/solenoid assemblies with a male and female connector on oppositefaces.

The number of base/solenoid assemblies that can be chained together islimited only by the pressure and flow of the air supply system. In afirst example embodiment of the invention, between 1 and N base/solenoidassemblies are chained together with a single connection to the airsupply system. In this configuration the single air supply connection istypically made at the inlet fixture on the inlet piece. The number N canvary due to a number of factors including: the size of the commonmanifold formed by the air passageways in the chain of linkedbase/solenoid assemblies, the flow rate or amount of air used by thedifferent air devices, the pressure of the supply system, theprobability or likelihood of all of the air devices being activated atthe same time, the size of the inlet opening, and the like. In oneexample embodiment of the invention, with a ⅜ inch inlet fitting thenumber N is approximately 5 for one connection to the air supply source.In another example embodiment, with a ½ inch inlet fitting N would beapproximately 16.

In a second example embodiment of the invention, the air distributionsystem uses multiple connections to the air supply system to allow alonger chain of base/solenoid assemblies to be linked together. One ofthe connections to the air supply system is typically at the inletfixture on the inlet piece. Additional connections to the air supplysystem can use the output ports on some of the base/solenoid assemblies.In one example embodiment of the invention, a solenoid with anadditional air supply connected to its' output port can be locked opensuch that the output port is always coupled to the common manifold, orcan be opened only when additional air supply flow is needed. In anotherexample embodiment the solenoid assembly may be replace with a capattached to a base assembly that seals the opening in the base assemblywhere a solenoid usually attaches. This would allow the output port tobe permanently connected to the common air passageway. In anotherexample embodiment of the invention, the base may be modified to sealthe top of the base part, and the output port would be used to couple toan additional air supply line. In another example embodiment, the outputport could be sealed and the additional air supply could attach to ainlet fixture in the top of the base part. Another way additional airsupplies may be attached is replacing the endcap with an inlet piecethat has a connector that matches the connector on the endcap. Forexample, if the normal inlet piece had a male connector, the replacementinlet piece would have a female connector. In this way there would be aninlet piece at each end of the distribution system.

The additional connections to the air supply system may be made every Mbase/solenoid assemblies, for example every 6^(th) base/solenoidassembly may be connected to the air supply. The number M can also varydue to some of the same factors discussed above including: the size ofthe common manifold formed in the chain of linked base/solenoidassemblies, the flow rate or amount of air used by the different airdevices, the pressure of the supply system, the probability orlikelihood of all of the air devices being activated at the same time,and the like.

FIG. 7 a is a front view of inlet piece 702 in one example embodiment ofthe invention. The male part 762 of a connector is formed on the frontface of inlet piece 702. In this example embodiment the connector typeis a modified Bayonet Nut Coupling (BNC) connector, but other connectortypes may be used, for example a quick release coupler. An example quickrelease coupler is part number TA-5K from Macnaught USA, inc.(www.macnaught.com). FIG. 8 is a drawing of a typical BNC connector. ABNC connector typically has pins or protrusions 801 that extend from acylindrical barrel 803. The pins mate with and are inserted intochannels or slots 805 in the corresponding female part of the connector.The channels or slots 805 typically form a ramp 807 that the pins followwhen the male part of the connector is inserted and then rotated withrespect to the female part of the connector. As the pins 801 follow thechannel or slot ramps 807 during the rotation, the two parts of theconnectors are forced together. Some BNC connectors only have one pin orprotrusion extending from the cylindrical barrel, but most BNCconnectors have two or more pins space symmetrically around thecylindrical barrel. The basic BNC connector can be modified in a numberof ways. One modification is to change the shape of the pins orprotrusions and the shape of the channels such that the ramp is formedon the back side of the protrusions and the channel is a straight slotor groove. Another modification is to have a ramp formed on both themale protrusions and on the female channels. Another modification is toenclose the slots or channels on the female part of the connector. Themodified BNC connector in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b have the ramps formed onboth the male protrusions and on the female channels and have thechannels on the female part enclosed.

The male part 762 of the connector in FIG. 7 a has three protrusions A,B, and C extending from a cylindrical part or barrel. The threeprotrusions A, B, and C are spaced symmetrically around the cylindricalbarrel. FIG. 7 b is a side view of inlet piece 702 in one exampleembodiment of the invention. Surface 766 forms the front face of themale part 762 of the connector. The back sides of the protrusions A, B,and C, form ramps 772 configured to act against the correspondingchannels or slots in the female part of the connector to force the twoparts of the connectors together when one connector part is rotated withrespect to the other connector part. The male part of the connector alsohas cylindrical extension 768 that forms O-ring groove 770. Optionaldrain holes 773 connect the cavities formed by the structure of theendcap and are configured to help prevent the buildup of moisturetrapped in the cavities.

FIG. 9 a is a front view of endcap 902 and FIG. 9 b is a sectional viewof endcap 902 in an example embodiment of the invention. Thecorresponding female part of the modified BNC connector from FIGS. 7 aand 7 b is formed in the surface of endcap 902. The female part of theconnector has a first inner cylindrical surface 952. Lips D, E, and Fare symmetrically placed around the end of the cylindrical surface 952and extend inward from cylindrical surface 952. Lips D, E and F formopenings A, B, and C that correspond to protrusions A, B, and C on themale part 762 of the connector shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b. Lips D, E,and F form three channels that are configured to retain the threeprotrusions A, B, and C of male part 762 of the connector. Channel 956,formed by lip D, can be seen in FIG. 9 b. The inner surface of lips A, Band C form ramps 958 configured to act against the correspondingprotrusions in the male part of the connector to force the two parts ofthe connectors together when one connector part is rotated with respectto the other connector part. In one example embodiment of the inventionopenings A, B, and C in the female part of the connector and protrusionsA, B, and C on the male part of the connector are all the same size. Inanother example embodiment one or more of the protrusions and one ormore of the openings is a different size than the other protrusions andopenings, for example opening A may be larger with correspondingprotrusion A being larger. The other openings B and C may be the samesize but smaller than opening A, with the corresponding protrusions Cand D being the same size but smaller than protrusion A. The differentsized protrusion and opening act as a key that allows the male part ofthe connector to be inserted into the female part of the connector inonly one orientation. Other features may be used as a key, for examplean unsymmetrical spacing of the protrusion around the cylinder may beused as a key to restrain insertion of the male part of the connectorinto the female part of the connector to only one orientation.

Lip E has an optional orientation lock 951 that extends from the bottomend of the ramp down to the face of first inner cylindrical surface 952.The orientation lock 951 is configured to prevent any rotation in adirection opposite the direction of rotation used to couple the male andfemale parts of the connectors together. In another embodiment of theinvention, there may be multiple orientation locks.

A second inner cylindrical surface 954 is formed in endcap 902corresponding to cylindrical extension 768. Cylindrical surface 954 hasbeen sized to form a pneumatic seal with an O-ring captured in O-ringgroove 770 of cylindrical extension 768. The end of the secondcylindrical surface is sealed by face 953. A second O-ring groove 965 isformed in the front face of endcap 902. An O-ring captured in O-ringgroove 965 forms a seal with corresponding surface 792 when the malepart 762 of the connector is engaged with, and coupled to, the femalepart 982 of the connector. The second O-ring may be used as a secondarypneumatic seal, as an environmental seal to keep dust and debris awayfrom the interior surfaces, or as a combination of an environmental sealand a pneumatic seal.

Most BNC connectors have a locking feature that helps prevent theconnector from coming apart unintentionally. There are numerous ways thelocking feature can be implemented. The locking feature 809 for the BNCconnector shown in FIG. 8 is a section at the end of the channel with areverse slope to the ramp. Once the pins are rotated all the way intothe reverse sloped section, the pins are typically held in place by thespring force of an O-ring that seals the connection. The locking featurefor the modified BNC connector shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 is a locking bump,pin or protrusion 794 on the male part of the connector that snaps intoa corresponding locking hole 955 in the female part of the connector.FIG. 9 c is a bottom view of endcap 902 in an example embodiment of theinvention. The locking bump or protrusion 794 is located on acantilevered feature of the endcap such that the cantilevered featureforms a spring that allows the locking bump or protrusion 794 to snapinto place in the corresponding locking hole 955 in the female part ofthe connector. The cantilevered feature is formed by a slot 796 cut intothe face of the endcap. In one example embodiment of the invention, alocking ramp 957 may be adjacent to the locking hole 955. When the malepart of the connector is first coupled to the female part of theconnector, the locking protrusion is aligned with the end of the rampfarthest from the locking hole 955. As the male part of the connector isrotated with respect to the female part of the connector, the lockingprotrusion 794 follows the locking ramp 957 up until the lockingprotrusion 794 snaps into the locking hole 955. The locking protrusionmated into the locking hole helps lock the two parts of the connectorstogether. The mating of the locking pin with the locking hole alsocreates a positive stop that helps prevent over rotation of the malepart of the connector with respect to the female part of the connector.

Base/solenoid assembly 404 has the male part 462 of the modified BNCconnector on one face 461 and the corresponding female part of themodified BNC connector (not shown) on an opposite face and is configuredto mate with and couple to the corresponding connectors on the endcap,the inlet piece, and other base/solenoid assemblies. Base/solenoidassembly 404 comprises solenoid assembly 430 and base assembly 460.

Base assembly 460 comprises body 463, a first O-ring, a second O-ring(not shown), output port fitting 414, and crush sleeve (not shown). FIG.10 a is a top view of body 1063 in an example embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 10 b is sectional view AA of body 1063 from top view 10a. FIG. 10 b shows the male part 1062 of the connector with the firstO-ring grove 1070 on the cylindrical extension. The locking protrusion1094 and the mounting hole 1022 are also shown in this view. Airpassageway 1028 is formed from a number of bores passing through thebody 1063. Air passageway 1028 is generally centered on and runs betweenthe male part 1062 of the connector on one side of the body and thefemale part of the connector on an opposite side of the body. The shapeof air passageway is generally not important and could be cylindrical,rectangular, cylindrical with a flat side, or the like. Air passagewayis configured to form a common air manifold with other air passagewayswhen additional bodies are removabley coupled to body 1063 with the maleor female part of the connector.

Hole 1067 intersects with and pneumatically couples to air passageway1028. Cylindrical bores H, I and J are concentric with hole 1067, whereeach cylindrical bore is larger that the previous cylindrical bore.Cylindrical bores H, I and J form a series of concentric steps betweenthe end of hole 1067 and the top of the body 1063. FIG. 10 c is anothersectional view BB of body 1063 from top view 10 a. FIG. 10 c showsoutput port 1069 that is generally perpendicular to air passageway 1028.Output port 1069 does not intersect air passageway 1028. Hole 1067intersects with air passageway 1028. Slot 1071 is formed in the bottomof cylindrical bore I. Slot 1071 can bee seen in detail C of FIG. 10 aand in FIG. 10 c. Slot 1071 intersects with output port 1069 and forms achannel that couples air passageway 1028 with output port 1069 throughhole 1067 and cylindrical bores H and I.

FIG. 11 a is a sectional view of base/solenoid assembly 1104 in anexample embodiment of the invention. Solenoid assembly 1130 is attachedto base assembly 1160. Base assembly comprises body 1163 with outputfitting 1112 installed in output port 1169. Base assembly 1160 containssolenoid valve 1181 installed in hole 1167 with O-ring 1183 forming apneumatic/hydraulic seal against cylindrical bore H. Solenoid valve 1181is approximately the same diameter as hole 1167. Hole 1167 intersectswith air passageway 1128. Solenoid valve 1181 mates with and is pressfit into hole 1167. Solenoid valve has a cylindrical passageway passingthrough solenoid valve that allows air or fluids to pass through.

FIG. 11 b is a detailed view from FIG. 11 a showing the area around thesolenoid valve in one example embodiment of the invention. Barbs 1133help retain solenoid valve in hole 1167. Solenoid valve is configured toretain O-ring 1183. O-ring 1183 is sized to form a radial seal againstcylindrical bore H when the solenoid valve is installed. O-ring 1183 mayalso form a seal against the shoulder formed by the face of cylindricalbore H. The first part of solenoid valve that is inserted into hole 1167contains barbs 1133. The first part of solenoid valve that is insertedinto hole 1167 also has a smaller diameter than O-ring 1183. O-ring 1183forms a seal with bore H and not with the inner diameter of hole 1167.This allows O-ring 1183 to form the radial seal against a surface thathas not been marred by barbs 1133 during insertion of solenoid valve1181 into hole 1167.

Solenoid plunger 1188 is part of a solenoid. Solenoids are well known inthe art as an electromagnetic device that can move a plunger from oneposition to another position when the solenoid is activated. Typicallythe plunger is held in a closed position with a spring, and is held inan open position by an electromagnetic force when the solenoid isactivated. However, the solenoid may be configured to have the springhold a plunger in the open position and the electromagnetic force holdthe plunger in the closed position. Some solenoids use theelectromagnetic force to hold the plunger in both positions. Thesolenoid shown in FIG. 11 is a sleeveless design (Sleeveless because theplunger rides inside the plastic bobbin instead of a stainless steelsleeve inside the bobbin). A sleeveless design is typically cheaper thana design using a sleeve, however a design using a sleeve typically canlast for more cycles. The current invention may use either a sleevelessdesign or a design that incorporates a sleeve.

In the closed position (not shown), face 1123 of solenoid plunger 1188contacts, and seals against, rim 1189 of solenoid valve 1181, preventingair from air passageway 1128 from reaching output port 1169. In theclosed position face 1125, on the opposite end of solenoid plunger 1188from face 1123, does not contact the ridge at the end of exhaustchannel, allowing pressurized air from output port to vent through slots(not shown) formed from one end of solenoid plunger 188 to the other endof solenoid plunger, and out through exhaust channel 1138.

When Solenoid plunger 1188 is in the open position, solenoid plunger1188 does not contact the rim 1189 of solenoid valve 1181, and face 1123does not form a seal against rim 1189, thereby allowing air to flow fromair passageway 1128, through hole 1167, through solenoid valve 1181 andinto cylindrical bore I, through slot 1171 and into output port 1169. Inthe open position, face 1125 mates with and seals against the ridgeformed at one end of exhaust channel 1138 forming a seal between thesolenoid plunger and the exhaust channel. This seal prevents flow fromair passageway 1128 to exhaust channel 1138.

Solenoid assembly 1130 contains O-rings 1185 and 1187. O-ring 1185 formsa pneumatic seal between solenoid assembly 1130 and base assembly 1160.O-ring 1187 forms an environmental seal between solenoid assembly 1130and base assembly 1160.

The solenoid shown in FIG. 11 uses a linear motion to open and close anair channel between an air passageway and an output port therebyconnecting an air device with an air supply. This invention is notlimited to using linear motions to connect the air devices with an airsupply. Other types of motion and other types of valves or switches areenvisioned. For example, a solenoid may be configured to translate alinear motion into a rotary motion that opens and closes a ball valve.In another example of the invention, a motor may be used to cause arotary motion that opens/closes a butterfly valve when activated.Generally, any type of electromagnetic switch or valve can be used withthis invention.

FIG. 11 shows exhaust cap 1136 installed on solenoid assembly 1130. FIG.12 is an isometric view of exhaust cap 1236 in one example embodiment ofthe invention. Exhaust cap is configured to direct any liquid exhaustcoming from base/solenoid assembly 1160/1130 through ridge gaps 1240 and1241, toward drain 1239. Exhaust cap is also configured to direct gasexhaust to controlled gaps between exhaust cap 1136 and the solenoidassembly 1130 along the edges of the exhaust cap. Exhaust typicallyoccurs at the end of the activation sequence for a device. When solenoidis activated and solenoid plunger 1188 is drawn away from solenoid valve1181, pressurized air from the air passageway 1128 is forced into outputport 1169 and into an air line (not shown) installed in output portfixture and coupled to an air device (not shown), activating the airdevice. Once the solenoid is deactivated and plunger 1188 has re-sealedsolenoid valve 1181, any pressurized air in the air line or in the airdevice is released back through output port 1169 and slot 1171 and intoexhaust channel 1138, exiting through the bottom of solenoid assembly.Air systems may contain liquid containments, for example condensation,oil, or the like, that is passed through the system and exhausted fromthe bottom of solenoid assembly.

In one example embodiment of the invention, exhaust cap 1136 isconstructed from a somewhat flexible material and is snapped ontosolenoid assembly 1130 using clips that fit through openings 1237. Anyother mechanical fastening technique may be used to attach exhaust capto solenoid assembly. Spacing ribs 1233 placed along opposite insideedges of exhaust cap 1136 maintain a controlled gap between exhaust cap1136 and the solenoid. Exhaust gas flows through the controlled gapbetween exhaust cap and the solenoid along both edges of exhaust cap aswell as through channels formed by ridges 1234 and 1235. Ridges 1234 and1235 form two partial concentric circles, where each ridge forms atleast one gap (1240 and 1241) in the circle. Exhaust channel 1138 exitsinto the central area formed by ridges 1234 and 1235 when exhaust cap ismounted onto solenoid assembly 1130. Liquid exiting exhaust channel 1138is directed by ridges 1234 and 1235, through the gaps 1240 and 1241 andtowards drain 1239. Ridges 1234 and 1235 help prevent any other liquidsor debris that may fall through the controlled opening, from reachingexhaust channel 1138, by directing the flow around exhaust channeltowards drain 1239. The ridges shown in FIG. 12 are generally circular,but other shapes may be used. FIG. 11 c shows that ridges 1134 and 1135vary in height causing the surface of the exhaust cap to tilt towardsdrain 1139 when exhaust cap is installed on solenoid assembly 1130.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of endcap 1302 in an example embodiment ofthe invention. Mounting feature 1346 is formed into the side of endcap1302. Mounting feature 1346 is configured to allow inlet fixture (notshown) to be press fit into mounting feature 1346. FIG. 14 is asectional view of endcap 1402 with inlet fixture 1410 installed into themounting feature. Inlet fixture 1410 contains O-ring 1448. O-ring 1448forms a seal against cylindrical bore 1447, the face 1445 of cylindricalbore 1447, and an air supply tube (not shown) when the air supply tubeis inserted into inlet fixture 1410.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a supply coupler in an exampleembodiment of the invention. Supply coupler has the male part 1562 ofthe connector on one face and the female part of the connector (notshown) on the opposite face of the supply coupler. Passageway 1526 runsbetween the male connector and the female connector. Inlet port 1569 iscoupled to or intersects with passageway 1526 allowing an additionalsupply line to be coupled to the passageway 1526 through inlet port1569. In operation, an air distribution system may have a supply couplerremovably coupled into the air distribution system as every Nth device.In another example embodiment (not shown) inlet port may be moved fromthe front face of supply coupler (as shown in FIG. 15) to surface 1501.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a pressure gage assembly in an exampleembodiment of the invention. Pressure gage assembly has the male part1662 of the connector on one face and the female part of the connector(not shown) on the opposite face of the pressure gage assembly.Passageway 1626 runs between the male connector and the femaleconnector. Pressure gage 1603 is coupled to passageway 1526 allowing thepressure inside passageway 1626 to be monitored. In operation, pressuregage assembly may be removably coupled into the air distribution system.

In the embodiments describe above, examples of the invention use anelectromechanical switch as one of the part being chained together.Other devices may also take advantage of the invention and be removablychained together. One type of device is a pressure relief, also called asafety valve. A pressure relief may be created with male and femaleconnectors on opposite faces and inserted into a chain of other devices.Some examples of other types of devices that may be included in thechain of devices removably coupled together are: pressure switches, apressure gage, a bleed valve, additional inlet sources, or any otherpneumatic or hydraulic device.

The invention is described above using example embodiments for apneumatic or air distribution system. However the invention is notlimited to pneumatic systems, and includes hydraulic systems as well.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an electromagnetic switch having a firstside and a second side opposite the first side, where a male part of aconnector is on the first side and a female part of the connector is onthe second side, the electromagnetic switch having a passagewayconnecting the male part of the connector on the first side to thefemale part of the connector on the second side; the electromagneticswitch having an output port where the electromagnetic switch isconfigured to switchably connect the output port to the passageway. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 where the electromagnetic switch is a pneumaticswitch.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 where the electromagnetic switch isa hydraulic switch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 where the connector is amodified BNC connector.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 where the connectoris a quick release connector.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 where thefirst side of the electromagnetic switch has a protrusion generallyextending from the first side of the electromagnetic switch and wherethe protrusion is flexibly supported and configured to snap into a holeon a corresponding part when the male part of the connector is matedwith a female part of a connector on the corresponding part.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 where the male part of the connector has at leasttwo protrusions extending from a cylindrical barrel.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 where the at least two protrusions extending from thecylindrical barrel are not symmetrically spaced around the cylindricalbarrel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 where at least one of the at leasttwo protrusions extending from the cylindrical barrel is a differentsize than the other protrusions.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a mounting hole going through the electromagnetic switchwhere the mounting hole is generally perpendicular to, but notintersecting with, the passageway.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherethe electromagnetic switch has a back side generally perpendicular tothe first and second sides and where the mounting hole is generallyperpendicular to and goes through the back side, the back side having asupport surface configured to support the electromagnetic switch when abolt in the mounting hole forces the back side against a surface andwhere the support surface is defined by a plane.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further comprising: a plurality of cavities in the back sidewhere the cavities are generally recessed from the support surface; afront side generally opposite the back side; a plurality of drain holesconnecting the back side to the front side where at least one drain holeexits into each of the plurality of cavities.
 13. The apparatus of claim10, further comprising: a crush sleeve inserted into the mounting hole.14. The apparatus of claim 1 where the electromagnetic switch is asolenoid switch that switchably connects the output port to the firstpassageway.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 where the solenoid switchcomprises a base assembly and a solenoid assembly.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15 where the base assembly is removably attached to the solenoidassembly.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 where the solenoid assembly hasat least one surface that aligns with a second surface on the baseassembly to form a mounting surface when the solenoid assembly and thebase assembly are joined together, where the mounting surface isgenerally defined by a plain.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 where the atleast one surface on the solenoid assembly is formed by at least onesupport rib.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: anexhaust port in a bottom of the solenoid switch and configured to ventliquid exhaust and gas exhaust; an exhaust cap attached to the solenoidswitch and configured to cover the exhaust port with a first surface;the exhaust cap having a first edge and a second edge and configured tocreate a controlled gap between the solenoid switch and the first andsecond edges to allow the gas exhaust to escape through the controlledgaps.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: at least oneridge rising from the first surface of the exhaust cap where the ridgeencloses an area; the at least one ridge having an opening such that theat least one ridge is not contiguous; the ridge is positioned on thefirst surface of the exhaust cap such that the area is underneath theexhaust port. a drain hole in the first surface of the exhaust cap wherethe drain hole is not in the area enclosed by the at least one ridge.21. The apparatus of claim 20 where the drain hole is positionedadjacent to the opening in the ridge.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19where the exhaust cap is fastened to the solenoid switch by snapping atleast one opening in the exhaust cap over a corresponding catch on thesolenoid switch.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: acylindrical barrel extending from the male part of the connector wherean O-ring groove is formed on an outer diameter of the cylindricalbarrel and configured to retain an O-ring that forms a seal when themale part of the connector is mated with a corresponding female part ofthe connector.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anO-ring groove formed on the second side of the electromagnetic switchand configured to retain an O-ring that forms an environmental sealsurrounding the female part of the connector when the female part of theconnector is mated with a corresponding male part of the connector. 25.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a full cartridge ¼ inchpush in fittings press fit into the output port.
 26. An apparatus,comprising: a means for switchably connecting an output port to apassageway where the passageway connects a first face to a second face,opposite the first face; a means for removably coupling the first faceof the apparatus to the second face on an identical apparatus where thepassageway in the apparatus would couple to the passageway in theidentical apparauts.